Range-extender EVs are making a comeback, offering a practical middle ground between pure electric and gasoline vehicles, particularly in markets with unreliable charging infrastructure. Leapmotor’s 2026 C10 REEV attempts to capitalize on this trend, promising EV smoothness without the range stress. However, while the powertrain delivers on that promise, the vehicle suffers from frustrating tech issues that undermine its potential.
The Hybrid Approach: A Sensible Compromise
The C10 REEV pairs a 28.4 kWh battery with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that only charges the battery – it never drives the wheels. This setup enables up to 715 miles of total range, with quoted fuel efficiency of 261 mpg, and maintains the instant torque and quiet operation of an EV. The engine operates silently, rarely exceeding 2,000 rpm even when prioritizing battery charging.
In areas where public chargers are sparse or long drives are common, this hybrid model makes sense. The driver avoids range anxiety while still enjoying the benefits of an electric powertrain. However, Leapmotor’s execution falls short in key areas.
Interior & Tech: A Mixed Bag
The C10 REEV’s minimalist interior follows Tesla’s design philosophy, featuring a large 14.6-inch touchscreen running Leapmotor’s Android-based OS. The system is responsive, but lacks smartphone mirroring (Android Auto or Apple CarPlay). The reversing camera quality is subpar, taking 15 seconds to load after startup, and the infotainment system itself lags at boot-up.
The interior materials are plush, though the leather marks easily. Keyless entry is frustrating, requiring a tap on the driver’s side mirror with a keycard that lacks proximity locking/unlocking. The infotainment system also does not allow for easy phone syncing, leaving the reviewer placing their phone in the cupholder for navigation.
Performance & Ride: Decent, But Not Exciting
The C10 REEV accelerates from 0-62 mph in 8.5 seconds, prioritizing efficiency over speed. The ride quality is mostly comfortable, but the suspension bottoms out over speed bumps. The steering is light, though adjustable to a firmer setting.
The driver-assistance systems (adaptive cruise control and lane centering) are poorly calibrated, causing erratic acceleration and constant lane drifting. Overactive sensors for driver attention and speed limits are intrusive, though can be disabled.
Verdict: Potential Hampered by Flaws
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is a promising vehicle that delivers on the core benefit of a range-extender: eliminating range anxiety. The powertrain is smooth, efficient, and well-integrated. However, the vehicle is held back by poorly executed tech features and unreliable driver-assistance systems. If Leapmotor can address these issues through software updates, the C10 REEV could become a compelling option in the growing range-extender market.
Ultimately, the C10 REEV demonstrates that solving one EV problem (range) doesn’t excuse neglecting basic functionality and polish.
